Imagine a young rider, barely out of his teens, stepping into the high-octane world of MotoGP with a satellite bike and mixed expectations. That’s the story of Fermin Aldeguer, the Gresini rider who’s now staking his claim for a factory Ducati seat. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see him as a future star, others question whether he’s truly ready for the big leagues. Let’s dive into his journey and decide for ourselves.
When Aldeguer made the leap to MotoGP this year, the racing world was divided. His late-season heroics in Moto2 in 2023 had earned him a spot, but his final year in the intermediate class left much to be desired. Despite improving as he adapted to Pirelli tires, he was only the third-best rider on a Boscoscuro chassis. This lukewarm performance set the stage for a rookie season that many predicted would be more about learning than winning. And this is the part most people miss: even with tempered expectations, Aldeguer has been quietly rewriting the narrative.
The turning point came in Austin, where he started 12th on the grid but quickly surged into the top 10. By lap 16, he was in fifth place, hot on the heels of Pramac’s Franco Morbidelli. A mistake at Turn 15 ended his race prematurely, but his charge was undeniable. ‘The expectations for me changed a lot during the season,’ Aldeguer told Motorsport.com in Sepang. ‘We had a good feeling and a good pace—step by step, we are arriving at the top.’ He credits the Austin GP as his breakthrough, where he made a straight pass to Q2 for the first time and felt ‘super good’ in the race.
One of Aldeguer’s standout traits this season has been his late-race pace, reminiscent of Enea Bastianini’s closing-stage heroics on the factory Ducati. This was on full display at the Austrian GP, where he climbed from eighth on the opening lap to finish just over a second behind race winner Marc Marquez. ‘I always felt good with the used tire,’ he explained. ‘I don’t know if it’s something from my riding style or how I use the throttle, but I always felt better in the last part of the race.’ But here’s the kicker: while his late-race strength is impressive, he wouldn’t need to charge through the field so often if he qualified closer to the front.
MotoGP’s current format places immense importance on Friday practice, and a direct entry into Q2 can make or break a weekend. Aldeguer has lined up outside the top 10 in eight out of 20 rounds—a trend he and his crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, are determined to reverse. ‘One of my goals is to improve my lap time in qualifying,’ Aldeguer said. ‘When you start in the first few positions, it’s easier to manage the race.’ His front-row start at the Indonesian Grand Prix translated into his maiden MotoGP victory, showcasing his potential when everything clicks.
Yet, his results haven’t always reflected his true pace. Crashes in Jerez, Assen, and Sepang, all from promising positions, highlight areas for improvement. ‘In some races, we were faster and stronger than the results,’ he admitted. ‘But it’s a good opportunity for taking experience and continuing to improve.’ At just 20 years old, he’s already clinched the rookie of the year title—a testament to his talent and potential.
Looking ahead, Aldeguer has his sights set on a factory Ducati seat in 2027. But here’s where it gets controversial: will there even be a vacancy? Marc Marquez is in top form, and Francesco Bagnaia, despite a patchy season, still enjoys strong Ducati support. Even if a seat opens up, Aldeguer will face fierce competition, including from his own teammate, Alex Marquez, who’s been on a tear in 2025. Aldeguer’s two-plus-two deal with Ducati gives him a shot, but it all hinges on results and potential.
‘I’m 100% sure that if Ducati sees I’m ready, they will give me a seat,’ he said. But the question remains: is he ready? His 2026 performance, especially against Alex Marquez, will be the ultimate test. What do you think? Is Aldeguer factory material, or does he still have too much to prove? Let us know in the comments!
